| Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) also sometimes known | | | | and vegetables, breads, protein and dairy products. |
| as “Premenstrual Tension”, is a collection or | | | | Eating foods that are good for your health can help |
| group of symptoms that is linked to a woman’s | | | | you feel better and give you extra energy to keep |
| monthly cycle or period. But these symptoms usually | | | | you going. You can improve your diet in order to keep |
| disappear after before or after a woman starts are | | | | PMS symptoms at bay by following the instructions |
| monthly period. Symptoms of PMS vary for every | | | | below. |
| woman but PMS stops when a woman reaches | | | | • Do not gorge on processed foods because |
| menopause. | | | | most fast foods and processed foods are packed |
| The causes of PMS are not really known, but PMS | | | | with fat! Try as much as possible to avoid these |
| has been linked to changing hormones during the | | | | foods, but if you must eat them, order for lean meats |
| monthly menstruation cycle. Studies have shown that | | | | because lean meat have little (or no) fat in them. |
| stress or emotional problems do not cause PMS but | | | | • Avoid foods that contain a lot of salt |
| can make PMS worse! | | | | (sodium) because eating less salt can help you reduce |
| Symptoms Of Premenstrual Syndrome | | | | body swelling. |
| • Mood swings | | | | • Fiber power! Eat a lot of fiber rich foods, like |
| • Acne | | | | fruits, whole grains and vegetables |
| • Abdominal bloating | | | | • Take a lot of calcium rich food and drinks, i.e. |
| • Insomnia (trouble sleeping) | | | | salmon, broccoli, milk, nuts etc |
| • Headache | | | | • Go easy on the sugar, if you have a sweet |
| • Tenderness of the breasts | | | | tooth and can’t seem to keep your hands off |
| • Food cravings | | | | sugary stuff, eat foods that are sweet and healthy; for |
| • Anxiety or feelings of depression | | | | example. Wheat breads, cereals, potatoes and pasta |
| • Fatigue | | | | (yum!) |
| • Joint or pain in the muscles | | | | • Avoid foods that could make you feel |
| • Loss of concentration | | | | moody or nervous. Caffeine is known to increase |
| • Abdominal cramps | | | | nervousness and mood swings, stay away from |
| • Easily irritated, crying spells or tension | | | | foods that contain caffeine, and that includes: Coffee, |
| What are the risk factors? | | | | chocolate and soda. |
| Risk factors include: | | | | • Stay away from alcohol (for at least a |
| • Age | | | | week) before you start your monthly cycle. |
| • Excessive caffeine consumption | | | | 2. Physical Activity |
| • Smoking or tobacco use | | | | Engage in regular exercises for at least 2 or 3 times a |
| • Stress factors | | | | week. Exercise is great for reducing stress and PMS |
| • Dietary factors (insufficient intake of certain | | | | symptoms. You can also do yoga exercises, which is |
| minerals and vitamins) | | | | a very good relaxation exercise. |
| • History of depression | | | | 3. Rest |
| • Family history (genetic factors) | | | | Try to get enough rest; in order to achieve this, avoid |
| How To Treat Pms | | | | alcoholic or caffeinated drinks and quit smoking. The |
| PMS maybe treated using the following methods: | | | | human body needs 6 to 8 hours of sleep in order to |
| 1. Diet | | | | function properly. |
| Try to eat foods rich in nutrients, foods such as fruits | | | | |